Read

Isaiah 18:1-23:18

Isaiah 20:2-3, “The Lord told Isaiah son of Amoz, ‘Take off the burlap you have been wearing, and remove your sandals.’ Isaiah did as he was told and walked around naked and barefoot.’ Then the Lord said, ‘My servant Isaiah has been walking around naked and barefoot for the last three years. This is a sign — a symbol of the terrible troubles I will bring upon Egypt and Ethiopia.’”

Think

Imagine seeing someone walking down the street in their “birthday suit.” It would grab your attention for sure! Now, imagine that they said, “I’m simply obeying God’s command!” That is what we see happening in today’s reading when God ordered the prophet, Isaiah, to remove his garments for three years (Disclaimer: he likely wore a loincloth at least!) Did God want to shame him? No! God did it to grab people’s attention, to spread an important message in an eye-catching way. The Israelites’ hearts were hardened and spiritually insensitive, so God wanted to shock His people into hearing the “naked truth” about their disobedience.

If you’re wondering how that could possibly relate to your life today, put yourself in Isaiah’s sandals — or lack thereof! Not only must we see the naked truth about our own sin, but we must also speak God’s truth into the lives of others. We must be willing to stand firm against our culture’s current and share the hope that’s only found in Christ, who was stripped and exposed as He shed His blood for us on the cross.

Who do you know that needs exposure to God’s truth? Be willing to share what God has done in your life because eternities are hanging in the balance. Do so because, when you were naked in your sin, God clothed you with His forgiveness and grace!

Pray

Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy of my praise! Help me to share Your truth with others unabashedly. Use me to reach those who so desperately need to turn towards You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.